A Book Fair like no Other

The Just Serve booth about 15 minutes before the doors opened. It's one of the biggest there. 

The 50th annual Book Fair in Buenos Aires is amazing. Argentines really love books. The OGC (legal department) spent an afternoon volunteering at the nearby convention center, where many nonprofit groups sold books and shared information about their causes.

One of the largest booths was sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was directly inside the entrance. Part of the booth featured Sirve Ahora, or Just Serve, which helps connect people with community service opportunities.

Just Serve

They also had a crochet table where anyone could sit and crochet. People were making squares that would later be joined into blankets. The yarn was donated, and many participants brought their own crochet hooks. Anyone who wanted to learn was welcome to join. This year marked the fair’s 50th anniversary, and it was wonderful that school-aged children could attend for free.

One booth especially caught my attention: “Leyendo a China” — “Reading China.” It was a beautiful display filled with books. Since I don’t speak Chinese, I wondered what the books were about. I can read some Spanish fairly well, though some might say my English skills are questionable too! There was no one available to answer questions, which may have been for the best. I didn’t want to accidentally get myself into trouble in a foreign country.

Booth of books for sale sponsored by the country of China

Some booths hosted authors who gave talks and answered questions. Those booths were always crowded. The children’s book area was especially busy with author events throughout the day.

In 1976, there was a military coup.

This booth was dedicated to the memory of those who were killed or "disappeared"

during that time.

There is a museum where anyone can learn about this event in Argentine history. 

We also have an announcement. We have been reassigned to Salt Lake because Mike’s health has not improved. The doctors here have not been able to fully understand the problem. We still believe Elder Hansen, our area medical advisor, is correct that some medication dosages need adjustment, but that has not happened yet.

So, on May 26 we will fly back to Utah. We’ll arrive in St. George on the 27th, pick up our car on the 28th, and then head north. A senior missionary apartment will be available on June 1, and we will continue our work there. Our mission release date has also changed to December 24, making it an 18-month mission. Since all our work is online, the transition should be smooth.

The historian I work with is an amazing woman. When I explained our situation, she suggested I pause my current project — assembling histories for the 29 missions in the area — until we are settled in Salt Lake. I hadn’t expected that kindness. It means we may miss a deadline, but that’s okay. The goal matters most; the timeline can adjust.

We will miss Buenos Aires. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Area office and to see how much work goes into supporting the Church here. It is incredible to think that similar work is happening in areas all around the world. We are thankful for the many leaders and missionaries who dedicate themselves to serving others.

We miss you all, and we love you very much.